While it’s exciting that Google is selling the Nexus 4 through its Play Store for as little as $299 here in the US and parts of Europe, it looks like those in other parts of the world may not be so lucky to grab the device for such a low price. According to Androidos, there are reports coming in from Europe indicating that LG will be selling the Nexus 4 directly for as much as €599 or $768 USD in countries like Italy. Additional reports indicate similar pricing for other markets including Spain and India, which will likely see the device priced at INR 34K or 35K (roughly $650 USD). The increased pricing is beginning to have a major negative effect as well: LG’s supposed pricing structure seems to have a ripple effect as several retailers such as Phone House will not sell the phone due to the high pricing, which potentially means less availability for many Android fans abroad.

There’s no official word yet from LG and/or Google regarding this, but as soon as we grab further details, we’ll be sure to share it with you all.

Earlier this week, after Google announced Android 4.2, an update to Jelly Bean, some sources managed to obtain standalone apk files for the 4.2 keyboard. The keyboard from 4.2 is sought after due to the inclusion of “Gesture Typing,” which allows users to glide their finger over the keyboard in a Swype-like fashion. Google asked sources to take down links to the apk files as the software was not yet ready for versions other than 4.2. Read more

Like Mitt Romney’s move to the center, Google continues its move to make Android more appealing to mainstream consumers. Google has hidden the Developer Settings menu in Android 4.2. Access to these settings is essential for developers and the relatively small percentage of power users looking to try out the latest Android advancements ahead of schedule (Android Sphere for the GNex anyone?) or jump on a popular custom ROM like CyanogenMod. For most smartphone users, however, it’s a menu they’ll likely never access… on purpose.

Android Central has discovered a relatively easy way to bring the menu back. Go to “About phone” and tap the “Build number” line seven times. You’ll restore the Developer Settings menu and will get an extra life the next time you play Super Mario Brothers.

Amongst the many other additions that will be part of Android 4.2, it looks like keeping your device secure will be a priority as well. I know we don’t like the idea of malware on our Android devices, but the fact is, it’s out there. Google is looking to combat that in 4.2 by offering the option of scanning an application before it’s fully installed. Once the app is scanned, if it finds something suspicious within the app, it’ll then prompt you and inform you as such and give you the option to continue. Additionally, the scanner will block the installation completely if the fingerprint matches existing malware.

Google isn’t forcing this however. This is an opt-in type of setup and option. I think it’s a good start by Google offering this option. Our devices these days are worth quite a bit of change and hold some valuable information on them, so keeping everything on the up and up is definitely on the top of my list when talking about my mobile device.

Introduced on Monday, Android 4.2 brings a slew of new enhancements and features that rectify the minor jump in the version number. One of the most–if not the most–heavily touted features is Google’s entirely redesigned Camera and Gallery interface. The new build brings with it an intuitive options ring that pops up wherever you place your finger, allowing you to easily control the focus and various user settings. Also new is Photo Sphere, which has the ability to capture 360-degree images, similar to Google Maps Street View.

You may be thinking, “all this is great, except I don’t have a Nexus 4.” This may be true, but if you have a Galaxy Nexus, the entire new app has been ripped from Android 4.2, and packaged into a nice .apk for easy installation. Hit the break for download links.

While there was no initial indication of a Nexus 10 with more than 32GB of storage, it appears as though Samsung Korea may be gearing up to double the current max storage tier. A promotional spec sheet from the company shows off a third 64GB storage option. Of course, there’s no word on when, or even if, the leaked model will make its way to the US considering all of this is still unofficial. However, it looks like at least some lucky consumers outside of the US will be able to get their hands on the new beefier Nexus 10.

Earlier today some folks discovered apk files for Google’s “Gesture Typing” keyboard. As you may recall, Gesture Typing is a new feature included in the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update. The new functionality provides an input method similar to Swype, letting users glide their fingers from letter to letter on the keyboard instead of having to tap the letters. Read more

Google and UK wireless carrier O2 are generating quite a bit of excitement in anticipation of the newly announced Nexus 4 smartphone by announcing one heck of a promotion. In the spirit of O2 being able to secure the title of being the only UK wireless carrier to offer the Nexus 4 for one month, it has announced it will offer a free LG TV to the first 100 customers who are able to get the phone. Of course customers will need to keep in mind that the cost of the smartphone and especially the monthly tariffs will probably end up dwarfing the overall cost of the television, but hey— we all love anything free right and who wouldn’t want a new LG TV set?

Earlier today Google announced the release of Android 4.2, an update to Jelly Bean. One of the big features being touted is the new camera app that introduces a feature called “Photo Sphere.” To help folks visualize the new capabilities, Google produced a video showing how it works and a taste of the final product. Like normal panoramic photo mode, the camera will guide you to where your next snapshot needs to be aimed using a targeting system. Unlike panoramic photos, the app guides you to take some photos on more than one level, some higher and some lower than your initial plane of focus. All the photos are then stitched together to effectively create a “Street View” type photo. You can move right or left, up and down some, and you can zoom in and out.

Anyone want to guess how long before Google enables users to upload these videos to Google Maps, effectively making anyone with a Photo Sphere capable device a part of their Street View fleet? Hit the break to view the video showing this new capability. Read more

Google has announced the release of Android 4.2, an update to Jelly Bean, that promises to bring a new camera app, typing improvements, and other upgrades to the Jelly Bean experience. No doubt this was going to be part of Google’s announcement at their event today. While a hurricane may dampen the fun that was planned, it cannot stop the march of Android on to bigger and better things. Read more